Trends in pet food packaging in 2022

Packaging plays a key role in the strong growth of the pet food industry, especially for premium branded products. Sustainable and personalized packaging design can catch the attention of pet owners at the first time, which is an important factor in promoting orders.

Pet food packaging is a packaging method in which pet food is stored and packaged in various types of containers accordingly to protect the food from various contamination factors and maintain the nutritional value of the food.

Based on the material, plastic is one of the most widely used materials for packaging in various end-use industries. PVC, HDPE, PET and other forms of plastic are widely used in the pet food packaging market. The material offers high barrier properties, cost-effectiveness, heat resistance and durable packaging options. Imaginative packaging expressions such as single-use packaging flip-top lids and zipper lids have won over customers in the pet food packaging market.

According to Research and Markets, the global pet food packaging market size is expected to grow from USD 10.2 billion in 2020 to USD 12.5 billion in 2025, representing an annual growth rate of 4.2%.

Furthermore, plastic products are expected to dominate the pet food packaging market from 2020 to 2025. Research and Markets said: Plastic packaging is durable, lightweight, cost-effective and versatile, making it the largest segment in the pet food packaging market.

At the same time, some foreign media pointed out that the development trend of pet food packaging in 2021 mainly revolves around several aspects:

Packaging Sustainability

Sustainability continues to be a factor in consumer behavior when it comes to pets, with 75% of consumers saying they would feel more beneficial to brands with more sustainable packaging. Consumers are increasingly paying attention to and even ensuring that the products they buy are produced in an ethical and sustainable manner. For pet food packaging, this means an increased use of biodegradable and recyclable materials.

The challenge for manufacturers is that sustainability often conflicts with other packaging trends. Not all eco-friendly packaging materials provide the optimum quality, durability and food safety characteristics that pet food manufacturers demand. A sustainable option that has proven most effective is recyclable plastic. Compared with traditional paper bags and mixed plastic pet food bags, if not a better solution, then providing the same barrier properties can also meet the preservation requirements of manufacturers and environmental protection requirements of customers. In addition to improving the recyclability of packaging, successful brands are providing clear recycling instructions and encouraging end users to participate in recycling programs.

Packaging functionality and convenience

Resealability, product freshness and ease of use are all factors to consider when choosing pet food packaging. Now more than ever, pet owners are driving the need for convenience in the pet food industry. In response to this situation, many successful pet food brands are adopting formats and features commonly used in the snack industry, such as stand-up pouches, resealable zippers and tear cuts.

Not only does the resealing technology keep pet food fresh, but it resonates well with consumers who want a convenient feature to shorten feeding times. 50% of pet owners who buy premium pet food say they are unhappy if the package cannot be resealed after opening. If the bag is damaged when opened, or if the pet owner has difficulty resealing between feedings, they risk compromising the freshness of the product. When developing packaging for pet food, brands must choose reliable and convenient features such as easy opening and resealability.

The function and convenience of packaging are also the key to reflect the practicality of the product. For example, in order to make packaging more convenient for consumers, pet food processors have added more options such as pouches or multiple bags.

The sophistication of packaging

As pet humanization continues to spread, pet owners want their pets to eat as healthy as they do. According to statistics, more than 40% of pet owners buy high-end pet food for cats and dogs. As more brands launch premium pet food lines, these products require high-quality packaging to protect and preserve their ingredients.

Flexible packaging is one of the most widely used packaging forms in the pet food packaging industry. It offers high barrier properties, temperature resistance and decent durability, all while being cost effective. High-quality pet food ingredients require good barrier properties to maintain their nutritional and health benefits. Flexible packaging films extend the shelf life of pet food by preventing the transfer of aroma, moisture and oxygen. The bags are equipped with resealing technology, which also helps keep premium pet food in its freshest condition.

Eye-catching graphics, high-quality printing techniques and unique material finishes all show consumers that they are buying a quality product. Popular finishes can enhance purchasing options, such as paper-like varnishes, soft-finish matt, high-gloss or speck-registered varnishes, providing consumers with a visual and tactile experience, giving brand owners an additional opportunity to stand out in the retail environment .

With the increasing status of pets in the family, many pet foods are coveted by many businesses, and there will be more and more market space for pet food. Many businesses have also begun to make a big fuss about packaging to meet the emotional needs of pet owners and create pet food packaging that is in line with the times and consumption.